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Boston Dynamics unveils 'nightmare-inducing' hybrid robot (video)
theguardian.com ^ | Alex Hern

Posted on 02/28/2017 7:23:43 AM PST by RoosterRedux

Google-owned robotics firm and “nightmare” factory Boston Dynamics has released video of its latest creation: a two-wheeled, four-legged hybrid robot named Handle.

The robot can stand on four legs, like Boston Dynamics’ previous creations such as BigDog and Spot. But at the end of its back two legs are two stabilised wheels, which let it stand up vertically and roll around at speeds of up to nine miles per hour. Think “Terminator riding on a hoverboard” and you’ll have a pretty good idea of the impression Handle gives off.

Boston Dynamics says the reason for the hybrid design is the simplicity it affords: rather than needing the complex joints of the fully-quadrupedal bots, Handle’s wheels can speed it around with little difficulty, while its front legs can be used for balance and for carrying loads of up to 50kg.

“Handle uses many of the same dynamics, balance and mobile manipulation principles found in the quadruped and biped robots we build,” Boston Dynamics said, “but with only about 10 actuated joints, it is significantly less complex. Wheels are efficient on flat surfaces while legs can go almost anywhere: by combining wheels and legs, Handle can have the best of both worlds.” The video does not, however, show Handle walking rather that scooting around on its wheels.

(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: allmvmebelongtous; google; koalaoil; molassesmiasma; monkeyfacerules; robocalypse; robotics; robotoverlords; undeadthread; undeadthreadhere
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To: NicknamedBob; Monkey Face

I was very firm about the sand-in-hair situation. Both carnivorous predators are lying on the cement out back, watching Marcia the squirrel eat the seeds from under the bird feeders.


2,781 posted on 06/17/2017 3:43:27 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick; fanfan; ColdOne; Cyber Liberty; null and void; Anoreth; Monkey Face; ...

Today's tiny kitten was rescued from the street.


2,782 posted on 06/17/2017 3:50:45 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick; Monkey Face

How is it that all the animals in your neighborhood have names, but Tom the Mocker uses the generic form “cat” when Jake is prowling?

How would Tom have learned that word?


2,783 posted on 06/17/2017 4:01:38 AM PDT by NicknamedBob (If you can't do something well, you won't do anything good.)
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To: NicknamedBob

When we want the cats to come in at night, I call, “Caaats! Cat cat cat!”


2,784 posted on 06/17/2017 4:07:52 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick

What a tiny little squee! It looks like it learned early to be afraid. Be very afraid very early.

We will be having some very hot days for at least the next week, topping out between 113° and 116° because the weather foregnosticators can’t seem to decide who is the hottest.

I was going to take today and tomorrow and do nothing, but it looks like it will be just tomorrow. I want to get the stuff sorted and filed and shred what I don’t want once and for all. I have other things to do.

This morning, I think I will go to Wally’s and get a storage tub. I will be needing several more, and will no doubt get them filled rather rapidly. The four that I have will be filled from the linen closet and some soft things in the bedroom. I keep running across things that should have been packed when I put away my winter clothes, but somehow missed.

If I can do a little every week, I can spend the last week before my move just cleaning stuff and doing inventory. Which reminds me. I had better start doing that. This stuff may be in storage six months. *groan*


2,785 posted on 06/17/2017 4:23:08 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: Monkey Face

The poster said that the kitten did well after rescue.

It’s warm, humid, and overcast this morning. Sally, Frank, and Kathleen are up. Sally is supposed to go over to Addie’s and make pancakes, but Addie is running a little late.

I need to go to the library today to get reserve books; to the used bread store for more bread; to Walmart for various things. I need to pay some bills, run the vacuum, mop the floors, and have someone clean the downstairs bathroom.


2,786 posted on 06/17/2017 4:41:12 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick

I’m worn out just reading about your schedule! I’m headed for Wally’s in a bit. I’ve had my steroid so I’m good for the morning. Yesterday wasn’t a good day as far as breathing went. It took four doses from the nebulizer before I could breathe normally enough to sleep.

Pancakes sound good! I think I’ll forage in the freezer and see if I have any. Yah. That’s the ticket!


2,787 posted on 06/17/2017 4:47:20 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: Monkey Face

Kathleen had (frozen) pancakes for breakfast, and Frank had waffles. I’m going to do some laundry before I have breakfast.


2,788 posted on 06/17/2017 4:50:45 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick

I had “breakfast” almost as soon as I got up, because I had to take the pain pills, and I don’t like taking any pills without food. My stomach is far too sensitive for that. So Instant Breakfast is what I have, vitamins, minerals and all.

The storage tubs have gone up three dollars, and they are an inch deeper. Dang. This is not good.

I have frozen pancakes, but I seldom buy waffles. I like French toast, but I don’t buy bread very often, so I would have to go out to breakfast if I want it badly enough.


2,789 posted on 06/17/2017 5:39:46 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: NicknamedBob
Sounds like you got your points across.

Very subtle pun, there, Bob! Excellent!

2,790 posted on 06/17/2017 5:40:56 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: Monkey Face

I need to rest my voice today, so I’ve told the family that they can’t expect me to respond to everything they say today. Won’t be easy!


2,791 posted on 06/17/2017 5:42:15 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick

I suspect a few of them will test you. Good lick!

At least you don’t have to talk to be on FR!

Welp. Time for me to go to work!


2,792 posted on 06/17/2017 5:56:07 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: Monkey Face

It’s funny, but when I’m trying not to talk, I also find that my typing grows very telegraphic.


2,793 posted on 06/17/2017 6:12:28 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick

I had a friend who worked in the ER Intake so long that her letters were filled with shortened words. If I hadn’t developed my own note-taking shorthand in school, I would never have known what she was saying.

I’m done sorting through the binders, and they are all outside in a trash bag, awaiting pick up by the thrift store. But I need to get more stuff out there before I call them.

The sorting resulted in a small pile of shredder fodder, but I think that’s all there is. Except for the journals. I’m still mulling that over.


2,794 posted on 06/17/2017 7:27:01 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: Monkey Face

108°, feels like 101°, 7%, S@4 mph.

Ah! Summer!! I have to go out every so often to warm up, even though the thermostat is set to 86.

:o])


2,795 posted on 06/17/2017 11:51:42 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: Monkey Face; fanfan; ColdOne; Cyber Liberty; null and void; Tax-chick; Anoreth; ...

2,796 posted on 06/18/2017 3:27:18 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick

I’ve seen that chimera cat before and I think it’s absolutely beautiful!

My Real Brother wrote his newspaper column about his paternity and how he felt about it, but he ended it with “Happy Father’s Day Dad, wherever you are.” So I sent him an email and told him how much I loved him. He’s always been there for me when my other brother wasn’t and still isn’t.

Anyway, I’m up and going to shower in a few minutes. My bed was nice and warm (the A/C ran all night) and I really didn’t want to get out of it. But the A/C makes me cough a lot, so I need to have more breathing treatments. Maybe I’ll finally wade through some of those boxes of nebulizer meds a lot sooner than I think!

A few days ago, while at the ramada, the flies were biting, and I had to come in and change into long pants. I’ve got three very itchy little bites on my right leg, and I’m so thankful that I bought some Caladryl!


2,797 posted on 06/18/2017 4:01:33 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: sionnsar; abigailsmybaby; A CA Guy; afnamvet; airborne; Allegra; Altariel; Anoreth; Anton.Rutter; ..

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the dads on FreeRepublic! May your day be blessed with all good things!

‘Face


2,798 posted on 06/18/2017 4:03:28 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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To: Monkey Face

Good morning! Glad you’re in amity with your Real Brother.

I’m about to get my exercise clothes on and go for my Constitutional.


2,799 posted on 06/18/2017 4:25:27 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("If you think free speech is assault but assault is free speech, you're a moron.")
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To: Tax-chick

I just took a shower, so if one is missing, you’ll know where it went.

I’m going to down and check my mail, then spray the ramada again with Raid. I don’t like crawly things.

The decision to go to church is still in the waffle stage, as I don’t know if I feel up to dressing up and putting on makeup.


2,800 posted on 06/18/2017 4:49:07 AM PDT by Monkey Face (If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you haven't tried before.)
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